Stew Smith Fitness News — military

START ADDING RUCKS FOR FIRST PHASE BUD/S BOYS!  RUCKING ON THE BEACH = PAYS TO BE A WINNER.  FIRST PHASE ATTRITION RATES ARE HIGH AS EVER!  IF YOU ARE NOT USED TO RUCKING / RUNNING / HIGH REP PT - IT COULD PUT YOU IN THE MAJORITY.  SEE  Ruck / Run Progression ArticleFor many, the term “ruck” is a new word.  Defining RUCK is difficult to someone who has never moved out with 50+ lbs in a backpack for many, many miles.  The definition can be as simple as walking around with a backpack on a hike or as difficult...

Here is a question I get often concerning the way a person prepares for Special Ops type training programs for both military and law enforcement SWAT teams. My answer is usually, “It depends - Not only on the training you seek, but your athletic history / background.” Here is his question and my lengthy answer that takes many of the body types and foundation of fitness issues that arise when people start a training plan for Spec Ops.Stew I'm going to guess you've already answered this question somewhere, so forgive my redundancy. I'm 27 and looking to get into the...

This week I received an email from a soldier who writes:Every time I take the PFT, I ace the PT part but my run is much worse than if I ran first. Does the PT take that much out of me that I cannot run my normal pace had I not done the PT first?As with any test, you have to learn how to take tests to score better. There are entire schools and curricula devoted to helping students pass the SAT, ACT and even the ASVAB. The schools are not so much devoted to teaching subjects, but showing students...

This week I received an email that brought back a few old memories of Army Airborne training in Fort Benning , GA. This young soldier wishes to become an Army Ranger and wants to know what he needs to do to prepare each step of the way.If anyone is preparing to become a member of any Special Operations Group (Army SF, Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine RECON, Air Force PJs, EOD units, and others) they all must graduate from the Army Basic Airborne Course (BAC) in Fort Benning. Not only is it a prerequisite for Special Ops, but it has become...

Stew - I have only about 15 minutes in the Am to workout and I want to start mixing in more things into my workout - weights, PT, cardio.  Any tips? Here are some ideas for those of you who only have a few minutes a day to exercise.  Often I tell people if they do not have time to workout - they are doing too much - and that applies to a good majority of people.  However, for those who are burning the candle at both ends it may not be that beneficial to wake up 15-20 minutes earlier...